This week's Gospel is one of my all time favorites because it reminds us that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD!! It also reminds us not to worry when you think there is not enough of something because GOD ALWAYS PROVIDES. ( sometimes in the most unusual ways but our needs are met by the ONE who knows us best!) It is the story of Jesus feeding the huge crowd the loaves and fishes. (Matthew 14:13-21)
The second reading this week is epic as well! (Romans 8:35,37-39)
"Brothers and sisters; What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish,or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? NO, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us!"
This is the HOPE we need today!
The prayer coming from my heart after reflecting on the scriptures for Sunday:

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for blessing us so many ways, every day of our life. Thank you for the people that you place on our path, thank you for our families, thank you for our friends, and thank you for the opportunities you give us to shine your light for others!
In this ever changing world during the pandemic....thank you for being the constant! Thank you for helping us calm the waves of insecurities for the future. Thank you for being our peace and salvation always!
Lord we lift up all who are struggling with health concerns in mind and body, all those who are mourning, parents figuring out whether to send kids to school or stay home, and all those struggling with finances. Help us to trust in you. Help us to trust that you will provide way like you did the day when you fed a crowd from a small basket of fish and few loaves of bread. We know you are with us.
Thank you for being our HOPE!
AMEN
​
​What is the prayer in your heart?
Below is a song we can reflect on the call to lean on Jesus and trust that HE knows exactly what we need!

​For Preschool & Kindergarten
https://www.dltk-kids.com/bible/cv/jesus_feeds_five_thousand.htm

For Elementary ages Grade 1- 5

• Bible Activity

Sunday School Lesson: Jesus Feeds the Five ThousandUse this free Sunday school lesson “Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand” with kids from Living Inside Out to teach kids that they can trust God to provide. Find more great Sunday school lessons to help kids grow in their faith.

Scripture: John 6:1-14
The Point: We trust God to provide.
Key Verse: “You are the God of great wonders!” --Psalm 77:14
Bible FoundationThe ProblemWord of Jesus’ miracles and life-changing teaching was spreading—he was becoming something of a celebrity. One day, on a hillside near the Sea of Galilee, a massive crowd of over 5,000 people gathered to hear him. In the midst of the crushing mass, a bad situation became obvious to Jesus’ disciples: These people would soon be hungry and clearly there was no possible way to feed them all.
More Than EnoughAndrew found a young boy in the crowd who had food—but just five loaves and two fish. Miraculously, Jesus multiplied the small meal into a feast for thousands, with baskets of leftover food. Jesus knew what the people needed and, from the start, he “knew what he was going to do.” Through this amazing miracle, he demonstrated that he could—and would—provide. And even more, Jesus showed that when he gets his hands on our stuff, blessings explode in abundance.
Coulda, Woulda, ShouldaJesus could have spoken a simple word, and food would have appeared. He could have simply thought about it, and the hunger of all the people would’ve been instantly satisfied. Maybe some people think he should’ve done it that way—it certainly would’ve been faster. But Jesus didn’t. Instead, he let the people experience hunger. He helped his disciples recognize their utter inability to solve the problem themselves, and he used a young boy’s small offering as part of his miracle.
A Deeper AgendaThe day after he miraculously fed the 5,000, the same crowd gathered again. Jesus illuminated the events of the previous day with an even deeper spiritual meaning: “I am the bread of life,” he said, “Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again” (John 6:35). In the Old Testament, God communicates the same idea, explaining that he purposely allowed his people to hunger and then gave them manna to help them realize that they need him to really live and be satisfied (Deuteronomy 8:3).
Living Inside OutGod often works in this way so we realize that only he can provide for our deepest needs and hungers. He wants us to know that he will provide even when it may not seem possible to us, and that he may also want to involve us (our time, our abilities, and so on) in the process of his provision. Are you aware, in this moment, how much you rely on God? That he is the ultimate provider of your food, your water, your shelter, even the air you breathe as you read these words? Take time to give God credit for his provision. Take stock of divine provisions in your life you may have taken for granted. Praise God for the needs he meets and the lessons he seeks to teach you through your dependence upon him.
Sunday School Lesson: Jesus Feeds the Five ThousandParents - Prepare AheadOn a large sheet of butcher paper, draw a large target with a bull’s-eye and three large rings surrounding it. In the bulls-eye, write “YOU.” On the next ring, write “FAMILY.” On the next, write “FRIENDS.” On the outer ring, write “SCHOOL.” Attach the target to a wall or other hard surface
1. WelcomeSay: Jesus performed amazing miracles for many people. He prayed for people to hear and see again, helped people walk, and even raised people from the dead! Watch one amazing miracle where Jesus feeds over 5,000 people—with just a little boy’s lunch.
Have kids discuss in small groups:

• Talk about a time you were really hungry.
• Tell about a need that God’s met for you.
• What are some needs you can trust God for this week?

Say: The 5,000 people who were hungry that day didn’t know where their food was going to come from. The disciples even asked, “How are we going to feed these people?” Jesus answered all of them with one boy’s lunch. This miracle shows us that God can give us exactly what we need—and he can do it from places we don’t even expect. That’s why we trust God to provide.
2. Object LessonYou’ll need:

• paper
• 1 pair of scissors for each small group

Say: Jesus did some amazing things when he on earth. Once, he took a small boy’s lunch, just some bread and fish, and use it to feed over 5,000 people. Give each small group a pair of scissors and each child a piece of paper. Have the children hold up their papers.
Say: How many corners does your piece of paper have? Allow time for the kids to count their corners.
Say: Your paper has four corners. But what if I want to give someone a corner? Cut off a corner of the paper, and hand it to a child. Hold up the paper, and say: Okay, now that I’ve given a corner away, how many corners do I have? Allow kids to answer, and then say: Wait a minute. I have five. Count the corners to the kids. Then have each child cut a corner from his or her paper.
Say: You see, the more times Jesus divided the bread and fish, the more he had to give away. Have the children count the corners on the cut-off piece they each have. Not only that, the people had more than enough. Encourage the kids to each cut off more corners, each time counting the multiplying corners.
Have kids discuss in small groups:

• What surprised you about our activity?
• Which things amazed and surprised you about what Jesus did?
• What is something you give that God could use to help others?

Say: Jesus took a boy’s lunch and blessed 5,000 people with it. He can do the same thing with us! He can take what we have and bless others with it. We trust God to provide, and Jesus just might use what we already have to do it.
3. Bull’s-Eye!You’ll need:

• a small ball
• butcher paper
• marker

Say: God provides for us. That means he takes care of us by giving us what we need. Choose one child to stand about 10 feet from the target and throw the ball at it.
Announce which ring the ballhits. Have everyone find a partner and share a way that God has provided for him or her in that area. For example, if the ball hits “FRIENDS” on the target, kids can talk about how God provided them with awesome friends who like the same things they do, who are fun to play with, and so on.
Choose another child to throw the ball. Have kids switch partners. Repeat several times, until each area is hit.
Have kids discuss in small groups:

• In what area do you most notice God providing for you?
• Why does knowing God provides for you in that area help you trust him in other areas?
• What could you tell someone who didn’t think God could meet his or her needs?

Say: It doesn’t matter where we are, who we’re with, or what we’re doing. God always knows what we need—he hits the bulls-eye every time. We trust God to provide for us.
4. Creative DrawingYou’ll need:

• paper
• pencils

Give each child a piece of paper and a pencil. Say: Draw something ordinary on your paper that you use every day—such as a spoon, a pencil, or a toothbrush. Encourage kids to draw something different from what others are drawing. Allow about a minute, and then have kids trade papers with people around them.
Say: You have a drawing of something ordinary. Now think of two or more ways you can use that item in a way that’s different from what it’s normally used for. For example, a spoon could help build a sand castle. A toothbrush can scratch your back. Allow about two to three minutes, encouraging kids to think creatively. There are no wrong answers.
Once everyone has finished, have kids trade their papers back and share their ideas with each other.
Have kids discuss in small groups:

• What are some reasons Jesus might work with ordinary people and things when he does miracles?
• What’s one ordinary thing about you that God could use in big ways?

Say: God used an ordinary boy and his ordinary lunch to feed 5,000 people. God can use you and your ordinary things to do something amazing, too! We trust God to provide, and sometimes he might even provide for others in marvelous ways through us.
For even more great articles like this in every issue, subscribe today to Children’s Ministry Magazine!
Check out the link below for more great discussion starters and talk about the miracles that you have witnessed in your life!
https://www.dltk-kids.com/t.asp?t=https://www.dltk-kids.com/bible/jesus/takehome26.gif


FOR YOUTH in Middle School

 What are you hungry for? What would you want from Jesus today?  Do you trust him?  If you struggle with trusting ...ask Him for help. When was the last time you really prayed?  How do you pray? Do you sit in the quiet or do you open the Bible, journal or use music to help direct your thoughts. Your challenge this week is to explore different ways to pray.  Go to Jesus with all  your heart!
​For Teens and Young Adults
​

This is one of my all time favorite skits....... The Trust Fall. Do you trust Jesus?  Do you really trust him with everything going on in your life?  What can you do to increase your trust. For me, in order to really trust someone, I have to get to know them. I have to spend time with them.  What about you? How well do you know Jesus? What can you do to know him better. Just some things to think about.    I hope you take the plunge!

This week theme continues with thoughts on the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is trying to describe the kingdom of heaven to his followers using more parables. He gives several examples to ponder in our hearts. Let's try to break open the message a little further.

Matthew 13:44-52
‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’

• Some thoughts on today's scripture
  • The demands of the Gospel seem so total: to obtain the kingdom one has to sell everything. Yet it is also a process, a journey. What is most important is the movement and the direction of my life. Only the one who searches can find, those who are happy with where they are will never find anything worth giving their life for. Am I an in a stagnant phase or am I still searching, digging deeper in the field of my heart? What chords has the experience of the pandemic touched in my heart and in that of my family?
  • Selling everything to obtain what they really desired so deeply filled both men in the parables with deep joy. This seems a contradiction, but this is what our experience tells us. As the prayer of St Francis puts it, It is in giving that we receive. I ask for heart full of freedom, freedom to give all and to receive all.
• • Have I found the pearl of great value, for which I am ready to sell all I have to buy it? Am I still looking for it, or am I resigned to a life of mediocrity in my relationships with others, with God in my prayer, in my work life? If I have found it, am I ready to sell all that I have to obtain it? Jesus compares this pearl to the Kingdom he came to proclaim and inaugurate, and this gives me joy and hope.
  • The scribe who has been trained for the kingdom knows how to bring out of his treasure what is new and what is old. In our world, even in our Churches, we are becoming more and more polarized between the liberals and the conservatives, as both claim to be the only ones to have all the truth. I ask for wisdom and freedom to seek the kingdom before all else.
• • The parable is not inviting you to think about somebody else – some random trespasser. Jesus is inviting you to recognize where your heart is. For whom or for what would you go without everything else
• • Think about this hidden treasure: it inspires, enlivens and opens horizons of new plans and dreams. Not everyone should be told about it immediately but the excitement that it brings cannot always be hidden. I thank God for what gives meaning to my life.
  • Perhaps God looks at me and sees a hidden treasure, wondering when I might discover it.

( questions and thoughts taken from Sacred Space.com)

For Elementary age kids:
​Parables: The Pearl of Great Price
To Remember: God's kingdom is worth all that we have
Lesson
Matthew 13:44 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. (NRSV)
Do you have one toy that you like more than all the others? Do you have a best friend? What are you willing to give up in order to have that toy or be with that friend? In these verses, Jesus describes a treasure so great, so valuable, so precious, the men sold everything they had to gain it. They did not value anything of theirs as much as they valued the chance to have the treasure or the pearl.
Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven with this valuable treasure. What Christ has offered us is so great, so valuable, that there is nothing we have that is worth keeping if it means we can't be in the kingdom. Think about the treasure in the field. If the man sold his house, then got the treasure, he would have the money to build a bigger house. The kingdom of heaven is the same way. 
True or False

1. The man who bought the pearl did not sell his house. F
2. God will supply all our needs. T
3. The men thought for a long time before deciding to buy the treasures. F
4. We must decide what is truly important in our lives. T
5. We will never have to give up anything for God. F

Discussion: What kinds of activities or habits can keep us out of the kingdom? What kinds of "pearls" should we be seeking in life? (List both on a board in opposing columns)
Review Questions
activity questions

1. Draw something (or someone) you treasure.
2. Describe what it takes to find a pearl.

emotion questions

1. Describe how you felt when you had to give up something you loved.
2. Describe a time when you received a great present.
3. Describe what heaven will be like.

application questions

1. What is the most valuable thing we possess?
2. What might we have to give up to reach the kingdom?
3. The merchant was searching for fine pearls. What should we be searching for?

( Taken from the Sunday Resource for kids.com)

 For Grades 6-8:
The Price Is Right
Theme:
The Kingdom of heaven, what is it worth?
Object:
A package of cookies or another item of your choosing. I used Oreo cookies.
Scripture"Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!" Matthew 13:45-46 (NIV)
There is a television show called "The Price Is Right." Have you ever seen it? It has been on television for more than fifty years! The contestants on the show are shown an item and then they try to guess how much the item costs. The one who guesses closest to the actual price without going over wins the prize. I thought it would be fun to play "The Price Is Right." I brought a package of cookies. Oreo cookies! Yum, yum! On the back of the package there is a tag with the price of the cookies. We will see how close you can come to guessing the price without going over the correct price.
If you think that the price of this package of cookies is MORE than $4.00, raise your hand. No, if you raised your hand, you are out of the game because these cookies do not cost more than $4.00.
If you think the price of this package of cookies is LESS than $2.00, raise your hand. If you raised your hand, you are out of the game because these cookies cost more than $2.00.
If you think the price of these cookies is MORE than $3.00, raise your hand. If you raised your hand, you are still in the game. This package of cookies does cost more than $3.00.
Next, I am going to call out a price, If I call out the price that you think is the right price of the cookies, raise your hand.
$3.39 - No, you're out of the game.
$3.49 - No, you're out of the game.
$3.59 - No! You're out!
$3.69 - Yes! These cookies cost $3.69. If your hand is up, you are a winner! You have won the cookies, but I am sure that you will want to share them with the other children when our Bible story is over.
These cookies are good, but $3.69 is a lot of money for a package of cookies, isn't it? Are they worth it? Perhaps there is another package of cookies that would be just as good for less money. Every day, we have to make choices about the value of things. We ask ourselves, "How much am I willing to pay?"
Jesus once told a story about a man who found a treasure which someone had hidden in a field. He was so happy that he immediately went and sold everything he had and bought the field so that the treasure would be his. (Matthew 13:44)
Jesus told about another man who went in search of fine pearls. When he found a pearl that he thought was the very best, he sold everything that he had so that he could buy the pearl. (Matthew 13:45-46)
These men both found something that they thought was worth giving everything they owned so that they could have it. Do you know what this thing was that Jesus was talking about? He wasn't talking about buried treasure or beautiful pearls, he was talking about the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven is the greatest treasure one could ever desire. It is more precious than silver, gold, or jewels. That is why Jesus calls us to give up all that we have and follow him. Is that too great a price? I don't think so. In fact, I would say, "The Price Is Right!"
Father, nothing we have can compare to life in the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
​
 (taken for Sermons4kids)

Welcome to this week' blog on the wheat and the weeds! In the Gospel this week, Jesus tells the parable of the good sower that plants good seed, while behind his back the evil one plants weeds to try and ruin the crop. When the good sower is aware of the weeds he lets them grow with the wheat only to be separated in the end.This sounds ominous but it really gives me comfort. Sometimes it is frustrating when we see evil things happening in the world. What gives me peace and should give you peace is that GOD sees it all. God knows the truth! We should do our best to grow in faith, hope and love. We should do our best to not be distracted by the weeds and keep our focus on God who is loving, merciful and just.

Here is a musical reflection on this parable... "Wheat and Tares" by the Wind Talkers.  Let the lyrics resonate in our hearts.

Let us Pray,
Prayer Lord of the Harvest, be with us now as we pray. May we will sow good seed by the goodness of our lives and look forward to a bountiful harvest. • For the eyes of faith to see both goodness and evil in the world. Lord, open our eyes. • For prayerful discernment in difficult circumstances. Lord, sensitize our minds. • For a focused commitment to your Word. Lord, center our hearts. • For patience and mercy as we trust in a future we cannot see. Lord, we surrender our lives. With these prayers we seek the kingdom of heaven. We make them with confidence in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Additional thoughts Ten ways...to ‘tend the field’ within each of us:
1. Be thankful for God’s blessings. Keep a gratitude journal.
2. Develop small, daily, life giving habits.
3. Ponder a little bit of Scripture each day.
4. Stay close to the sacramental life of the Church.
5. Don’t feed your mind junk food. Be discerning about what you read, view.
6. Contribute to the mission of the Church. Put your shoulder to the plough.
7. Seek guidance from a wise, spiritually mature mentor.
8. Stay focused on persons not things; on Jesus, not religious ideology.
9. “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Bringing children into the world, and raising them according to God’s teachings of love is a profound expression of gospel fecundity.
10. Over to you... from your experience, add a tenth point.

-the above prayers and reflections came from: The Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis Evangelii Gaudium © 2013 Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Australian edition published by ST PAULS PUBLICATIONS. Scripture: New Revised Standard Version. This leaflet © 2014 MissionServices,Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Broken Bay. www.godsmissionjoyofthegospel.dbbcso.org

For Teens:  Something to think about while living in a world full of wheat and weeds (good and evil)... finding GOOD friends helps you stay true to your true identity as a child of GOD. Sometimes we all can get mixed up along the way.Having friends that look out for your best interest will help you grow to be the best version of yourself.

For all of us... making decisions can be tricky in a world full of weeds sometimes.
Fr. Mike Schmitz gives us some great advice on making decisions. 

This week's Gospel is about the parable of the SOWER. Jesus is trying to help the people understand the importance of faith taking root in people's lives. I think He challenges us today......will we have faith during the trials of our current world situation? How does our faith manifest and take root in our lives? Do we have to see to believe? These are questions that came up for me while reading this passage from Matthew 13:1-23. We are challenged in today's crisis to live as people of deep faith or not? What kind of soil are the seeds of faith planted in you and me? How do you love your neighbor or even your enemy? Do we listen but not hear? How do we protect the vulnerable? How do we live in respect for every human? People with deep faith are called to live and share the Gospel. (Sometimes we do not even need words) Below is a video reenactment of this passage from Matthew. Picture yourself with the disciples. What stands out for you?

Here below is a beautiful reflection on this same parable .....most of us have been in all the different types of soil. Thank goodness, God does not ever give up on us!